Paras Bassuk named UI’s 23rd Rhodes Scholar

Psychology major says undergraduate research, advocacy has prepared them for success

Monday, November 18, 2024

The University of Iowa is uniquely known for being a place where art meets science, where students are encouraged to explore and innovate across these disciplines.

Paras Bassuk, UI's newest Rhodes Scholar, personifies exactly what that means - and more.

Bassuk, who is majoring in psychology, excels in the classroom and the research lab. They are an accomplished photographer who operates their own portraiture studio. They are a jazz drummer, bass guitarist, and classical bassist. And they are an advocate for others by being involved in policymaking at the state level.

Bassuk was one of 32 students selected for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarship on Nov. 16 from 865 nominees from across the United States. They will study for two years at the University of Oxford in England, pursuing degrees in comparative social policy and socio-legal research.

Bassuk has been involved in research since the second semester of their first year. Their faculty mentor, Ethan Kutlu, assistant professor of linguistics and psychological and brain sciences, says Bassuk is a shining example of the exceptional and diverse students who attend the UI.

"What sets Paras apart is their ability to bridge the arts and sciences, a hallmark of what makes our campus community unique," Kutlu says. "Paras exemplifies the strength that comes from integrating these disciplines."

Kutlu and Bassuk began working together in fall 2023.

"Paras has a remarkable ability to question theories, empirical findings, and the methodologies behind them," Kutlu says. "They consistently challenge perspectives, not to dismiss them, but to broaden and deepen their own understanding.

"I am extremely proud of Paras for their dedication to their work, but what stands out most is their resilience and their commitment to supporting their community. Paras consistently goes above and beyond, embodying the values of compassion and determination," Kutlu says.

Bassuk - who will graduate in May with a degree in psychology, a Spanish minor, and a human rights certificate - says students at Iowa have so many opportunities available to them, including the chance to conduct research.

From their research, Bassuk says they learned how to ask an empirical question and find answers to it. They have conducted and published neurocognitive research on child development. They encourage other undergraduates to not be intimidated by research.

"I think that sometimes undergraduate students may underestimate their ability to ask a question relevant to their field," Bassuk says. "UI has many champions of undergraduate researchers. Sometimes, all it takes to find a mentor is to send an email or have a conversation after class. It's absolutely something to take advantage of if you're studying at Iowa."

Kelly Thornburg, director of UI's Office of Scholar Development, says Bassuk is an incredible example of what an undergraduate researcher can do at Iowa. In equal measure, Bassuk also is a remarkable advocate, she says.

"It takes a lot of ambition, imagination, and humility to choose a path that is defined by uncertainty, and Paras will find plenty of unknown in their research and advocacy," Thornburg says. "Thankfully, the foundation of knowledge and experience they've built through their work in the state of Iowa and at the university is strong. I have no doubt Paras will thrive at Oxford and inside the Rhodes community."

While attending Iowa City's West High School, Bassuk was part of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council, which advocates for Iowa's youth on issues affecting them. Through this work, Bassuk says they learned about the state legislative process, including how to propose legislation.

"That presented me with the idea and opportunity that I, as an individual, could have an impact on policymaking," Bassuk says. "I could uplift other people who may not have been heard, including young people and young queer and trans people in the state. I'm excited to leverage my understanding of political systems to support and uplift unheard voices."

Bassuk says they chose the UI to follow in the footsteps of their two older siblings.

"I feel so lucky as their younger sibling to see them thrive here," Bassuk says of their sisters who pursued interests in English, creative writing, theater, vocal performance, and violin. "I came into college having an interest in psychology and in doing research, but also doing music and art. I knew this was the place I would have the opportunity to do all of those things."

Harper Dunne also a finalist

Harper Dunne

UI had two Rhodes Scholar finalists this year.

Harper Dunne is a fourth-year student pursuing degrees in global health studies and Spanish, with a social justice minor. She also is a member of the Iowa field hockey team.

"Harper is an impressive scholar and athlete, and getting to meet her made this process even more valuable," says Paras Bassuk. "I am excited to see how Harper, and all of the outstanding finalists I met, will make a positive impact on the world."